Thousands of supporters of Myanmar’s jailed former leader Aung San Suu Kyi marked her 80th birthday on Thursday with a powerful display of solidarity, setting a new Guinness World Record for the most birthday greeting videos while simultaneously taking to the streets in defiant demonstrations against the military government.
Kalo Say Htoo, an organizer of the global birthday video campaign, confirmed that the initial goal of collecting 80,000 video messages to honor Suu Kyi was not only met but significantly surpassed. On Thursday, the number of videos collected soared past 103,000, tripling the previous record of 32,207 set in 2017.
Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate and the de facto leader of Myanmar’s democratically elected government, was arrested in February 2021 when the military seized power. She has since been convicted on more than a dozen charges, which her supporters widely regard as politically motivated fabrications designed to keep her out of public life. She is currently serving a 27-year prison term but remains revered by many in Myanmar as the country’s legitimate leader.
Kim Aris, Suu Kyi’s son, who resides in London, issued a statement via Facebook on Thursday, emphasizing the profound global support for his mother. “It’s my hope this achievement brings urgent attention to her plight and that of the people of Burma,” Aris stated, using the country’s former name. “Her voice may be silenced, but her flame will never be extinguished.” To further honor his mother’s milestone, Aris announced plans to run 80 kilometers (49.7 miles) and encouraged others to participate in “80-themed” activities, such as walking for 80 minutes or preparing 80 recipes.
The widespread armed struggle against military rule that erupted after the 2021 coup has led to an estimated more than 6,800 civilian deaths at the hands of security forces, according to figures compiled by nongovernmental organizations.
Despite the ongoing crackdown, pro-democracy street protests in Suu Kyi’s honor were held on Thursday in areas not under strict military control, including northern Kachin state, the central regions of Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway, and in Tanintharyi in the South. Social media was flooded with images of demonstrators carrying flowers, birthday cakes, and posters of Suu Kyi, alongside banners proclaiming “Happy Birthday” and urging supporters to strive for “the liberation of the entire nation, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.” Conversely, supporters of the military government posted calls for the arrest of protesters.
Several Western embassies also joined the global outpouring of support, posting images of red roses – a symbol often associated with Suu Kyi – and issuing statements advocating for the release of Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners.
Adding to concerns about her well-being, the Suu Foundation, a nonprofit humanitarian organization, and the law firm Zimeray & Finelle issued a joint statement on Thursday, indicating that Suu Kyi is believed to have sustained an injury to her left arm during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country in March
